# Explorer-Approved Shoes The Oliver Sweeney x Levison Wood Explorer Espadrille is Backwoods-Ready By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-06-30 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/explorer-espadrille References: [blessthisstuff](http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/wear/footwear/explorer-espadrille/) & [oliversweeney](https://www.oliversweeney.com/levison-wood/) Using your existing shoes when heading out on an adventure is a surefire way to ensure they're ruined as quick as possible, so the Oliver Sweeney x Levison Wood Explorer Espadrilles are intended to offer a tactile alternative. The [espadrille shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clot-x-adidas-1) are crafted from quick-drying, hard-wearing Cordura fabric and feature a lightweight, robust style that will prevent you from getting fatigue when heading out on an extended walk or hike. The Oliver Sweeney x Levison Wood Explorer Espadrilles have an EVA midsole that works to make the shoes comfortable and buoyant, while a [non-slip Vibram sole](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danner-trail-junction-sneakers) ensure you can step with confidence. The shoes are [puncture-proof and thorn-proof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salewa-wildfire-nxt-goretex) to protect your feet when you're walking through the bush or in urban environments. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Quick-drying Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new materials and construction methods to create quick-drying shoes for outdoor enthusiasts. - **Puncture-proof Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design footwear with puncture-proof features to enhance safety during outdoor activities. - **Lightweight and Robust Shoes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop lightweight and robust shoes to provide comfort and durability for extended outdoor walks or hikes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Outdoor Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create footwear specifically designed for outdoor adventures, using durable and advanced materials. - **Sports and Adventure Gear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate innovative features and technologies into sports and adventure gear to enhance performance and safety. - **Urban Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop urban footwear that provides protection against thorns and other urban hazards while offering style and comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Durable Hyper-Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deckers-x-lab-enduro.md) - [Dynamic Glowing Trail Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jungle-esc.md) - [Earth-Toned Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xalp-suede-1.md) - [Kevlar-Infused Hiking Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huckberry-x-danner-n45-low-hiking-sneaker.md) - [Ultra-Cushioned Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiking-sneaker.md) - [Off-Grid Exploration Hiking Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danner-trail-junction-sneakers.md) - [Hybrid Off-Road Urbanite Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tarvas-forest-bather-cordura.md) - [Technical Trail Leather Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xalp.md) - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md)